The Deception of Hearty Soup: It Might Lead to Sodium Overload.

A steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day is undeniably tempting, offering warmth and satisfaction for a wholesome meal. However, did you know that excessive consumption of soup, commonly known as "국밥" in Korean, can have negative effects on your health, potentially leading to sodium overload? In this post, we'll explore the proper ways and precautions to enjoy soup while safeguarding your health.

 

Mindful Digestion of Soup

If you frequently enjoy soup, it's crucial to be mindful of digestion. When rolling rice into the soup, it's easy to swallow without proper chewing. Digestion begins as teeth break down food into smaller pieces, and digestive enzymes like amylase start breaking down starch in the food. Not chewing adequately and swallowing quickly can hinder the primary digestion process, especially when consuming soup rapidly, placing additional stress on the stomach.

 

It's possible to enjoy soup deliciously while keeping health in mind.

 

Regulate Sodium Intake

Consuming soup may lead to excessive sodium intake. The broth neutralizes the salty taste, making it less detectable by taste buds. A 600g serving of a typical Korean soup contains 1128mg of sodium, exceeding 56% of the recommended daily sodium intake. Excessive sodium consumption is associated not only with obesity but also with hypertension, heart disease, stomach cancer, and other health concerns, emphasizing the need for caution.

 

Consider Adding Kimchi and Salt to Soup Carefully

Adding excessive kimchi or salt to soup can further increase sodium intake. 100g of kimchi contains 1000mg of sodium, and a few servings of kimchi with your soup can easily exceed half of the recommended daily sodium intake. To reduce sodium intake, consider using fermented foods like shrimp paste instead of salt. Shrimp paste contains beneficial enzymes like lipase and protease, contributing to better health.

 

Adopt Proper Consumption Habits

When enjoying soup, it's better to chew rice and ingredients slowly rather than gulping them down with the broth. Instead of dipping rice in the soup, try alternating between bites of rice and sips of broth. This habit allows you to feel full more quickly and reduces the risk of excessive sodium intake.

 

It's possible to enjoy soup deliciously while keeping health in mind. By adopting proper consumption habits and being mindful of sodium intake, you can savor a bowl of warm soup on a cold day while maintaining good health. Wishing you a happy and healthy life through balanced eating and proper dietary habits.